Community Issues

Plans Gone Awry

Facelift Hasn't Materialized

In 2003 local development company, Urban Entertainment (UE),  had a “multimillion-dollar plan to transform SK into an upmarket tourist spot to rival any in Hong Kong” according to an article headed  in the SCMP. 

After spending $250 million on four major sites in Sai Kung, the firm headed by a Hong Kong-born Australian businessman, reported that this was only the first stage of their grand plan for the district.

Above & left: Viking Restaurant "Improvements"

The three waterfront sites, what was formerly known as the Beach Resort Hotel, the Viking Restaurant building in Pak Sha Wan, and a 3-storey block on the typhoon shelter at Sai Kung Tai Street (just east of Lakeside Gardens and Star Plaza) sold for $28 million, $52 million and $17 million respectively.  The acquisition of Star Plaza for $150 million was a surprise to many Sai Kungers who considered this building somewhat of a white elephant since it was first opened in early 2001. 

The SCMP article titled “Sai Kung set for Major Facelift”, reported that Urban Entertainment “expected to have three of the four developments open before summer (of 2004) once the appropriate licenses were granted”.   The spokesman for the company went on to say that “I can see no reason why a businessman spending two weeks at the Peninsula Hotel would not want to spend a weekend in Sai Kung if the facilities were here”. 

Residents of Sai Kung have told us that they heartily agree – however, judging by the state of these properties now (see accompanying photos), most express doubts that this is likely to happen anytime soon.  There is a sadness in their voices as well – for the ‘passing’ of a landmark restaurant in Sai Kung’s history (the Viking) and for the potential that wasn’t realized and is now a blight on the landscape of a prime location that was once a bustling (if perhaps not 5 Star) seafront hotel. 

L& R: Beach Resort Hotel - blight on the landscape

This hotel was to have a Hawaiian theme while the Sai Kung Tai St. location was to become “Little
Havana”. Many told Explore that the idea of importing American or Cuban cultural styles into what was once a thriving market town in Southern China and still echoes some of that charm was not what they would have done had they had the benefit of UE’s capital. However – this argument is academic almost 3 years later.

All four properties are now on the market once again at rates that even estate agents admit seem highly inflated.  The chart below shows the prices at which they sold in 2003 and the asking price in the current market.  Although there appear to be no comparable commercial properties in SK with which to compare and market fluctuations at any given time make it difficult even if a similar property could be found, Explore has been told by people in the industry that an asking price of from 2 to (in the case of the Viking Restaurant and the Beach Resort) 5 times the purchase price over a 3 year period is rather optimistic, especially given the fact that the buildings have been gutted and (apparently) abandoned for some time. 

Property	2003 Sales Price ($mil)	2006 Asking Price ($mil)
Star Plaza	150	350
Viking Restaurant	52	150
Beach Resort Hotel	28	150
“Waterfront Fishing Market” aka “Little Havana”	17	35

Positive results of that “multi-million dollar plan” have yet to materialize, leaving Sai Kungers wondering what happened to the initial optimism and whether, in 2006, there will be any changes to the buildings that remain a blight on the landscape of Sai Kung.

[Editor's note: Repeated telephone calls and emails sent to Urban Entertainment for updated information on the plans for these sites have gone unanswered.]

 

Building Safety Common Law states that landlords or building owners have the responsibility to care for their properties and keep them in a safe condition through proper and regular maintenance and repair, whether the premises are occupied or vacant. Under the Building Ordinance, the Buildings Department (BD) may issue statutory orders to owners to rectify any unsafe or undesirable situations such as dilapidation, drainage nuisance, dangerous slopes or earth-retaining structures, unauthorized building works, fire hazards and other nuisances. Such orders may also require owners to carry out investigation for an assessment of the required remedial measures. Those failing to comply with such orders may be liable to prosecution. Members of the public may report any cases of building dilapidation, or disrepair to the BD, which will carry out an investigation and ensure proper enforcement action will be taken. The Hotline Number is 2626 1616

Related Stories: It appears that there might be some relationship between Urban Entertainment and "Pleasure Wonderland" which opened 30 April. The draft website for the latter was given to Explore for our information and it was under the Urban-ent.com domain.  [Ed.Note: this website has since been taken down]